We use cookies to give the best experience on our site while also complying with Data Protection requirements. Continue without changing your settings, and you'll receive cookies, or change your cookie settings at any time.

Dr Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, is in Ireland to address the ‘Development Matters’ lecture series, supported by Irish Aid. The series brings influential actors in global development to Ireland to address key challenges and emerging trends in international development.

Minister of State for Trade and Development Joe Costello introduced Dr Georgieva and described her as a champion of the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

Opening the lecture, Minister Costello said:

“The challenges facing the international humanitarian community are increasing daily:the frequency and severity of natural disasters mean ever greater numbers of people are in need of humanitarian assistance. At the same time, experience in Somalia and Sudan demonstrates a growing tendency for state and non-state armed groups engaged in violent conflict to limit humanitarian actors’ access to vulnerable communities.

I can assure you that Irish Aid will continue to provide flexible and timely funding to humanitarian organisations which have a clear capacity to deliver assistance on the basis of need. We will also focus on “forgotten emergencies” and vulnerable groups in countries such as the DRC, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone or Niger who are vulnerable to external shocks, whether natural or man-made, due to poverty, weak institutions and poor governance.

Earlier today I announced emergency funding of €5 millionfor the Sahel region of West Africa, where 10 million people are at risk from a huge and growing food crisis. This funding will provide vital emergency food assistance to thousands of vulnerable communities and malnourished children.”

During her address, “Principles and Priorities Underpinning Humanitarian Aid”, Commissioner Georgieva discussed the importance of strengthening the link between humanitarian aid and development policy, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of aid.